The Podcast The NYPD Doesn't Want You To Hear

Update: 2024-09-12

Digest

The podcast begins with a discussion of the FBI's investigation of New York Police Commissioner Edward Kabon and the ongoing scandals surrounding the NYPD. The hosts then delve into the political situation in Congress, highlighting the Republican Party's stance on the budget and the potential for a government shutdown. They introduce a new podcast, "Empire City: The Untold Story of the NYPD," which explores the history of the NYPD, from its roots in slavery to its various corruption scandals. The hosts interview the host of "Empire City," Changer Eye at Kominika, who discusses his personal experiences with the NYPD and his motivations for creating the podcast. The podcast then examines the recent raids of New York Mayor Eric Adams' administration, including the seizure of Police Commissioner Edward Kabon's phone, and analyzes the current situation in light of the NYPD's history of corruption. The hosts also discuss the use of tragedy for political gain, specifically focusing on the case of Aiden Clark, an 11-year-old boy who was killed in a car accident. They criticize politicians, including Donald Trump, for using the accident to attack Haitian immigrants. Finally, the hosts discuss the online right wing and its tendency to embrace conspiracy theories and engage in bizarre behavior.

Outlines

00:00:00

The NYPD's History, Scandals, and the Political Landscape

00:02:18

Empire City: The Untold Story of the NYPD

The hosts introduce a new podcast, "Empire City: The Untold Story of the NYPD," which explores the history of the NYPD, from its roots in slavery to its various corruption scandals. The hosts interview the host of "Empire City," Changer Eye at Kominika, who discusses his personal experiences with the NYPD and his motivations for creating the podcast.

00:16:14

Political Rhetoric, Tragedy, and the Online Right

The hosts discuss the use of tragedy for political gain, specifically focusing on the case of Aiden Clark, an 11-year-old boy who was killed in a car accident. They criticize politicians, including Donald Trump, for using the accident to attack Haitian immigrants. Finally, the hosts discuss the online right wing and its tendency to embrace conspiracy theories and engage in bizarre behavior.

Keywords

Slave Patrolling

The practice of patrolling by white slave owners and their allies to capture runaway slaves and enforce slave codes. It was a common practice in the antebellum South and often involved violence and brutality.

Consent Decree

A legal agreement between a government agency and a private entity, often a corporation or organization, to resolve a legal dispute or address a specific issue. It typically involves the entity agreeing to comply with certain conditions or regulations.

Systemic Racism

A form of racism that is embedded in the structures and institutions of society, resulting in unequal outcomes for people of color. It is often invisible and difficult to address, but it has a profound impact on the lives of individuals and communities.

Abolition

The movement to end slavery and the institution of slavery. It was a major social and political movement in the 19th century, and it continues to be relevant today in the fight for racial justice and equality.

Police Reform

Efforts to improve the practices and policies of law enforcement agencies to address issues of racial bias, excessive force, and police brutality. It often involves changes to training, accountability, and community engagement.

Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB)

An independent agency that investigates complaints of police misconduct. It is typically responsible for receiving complaints, conducting investigations, and making recommendations for disciplinary action.

Media Landscape

The environment in which media operates, including the types of media available, the ways in which people consume media, and the economic and political forces that influence media production and distribution.

Q&A

How does the history of the NYPD, particularly its connection to slavery, inform our understanding of the current scandals surrounding the department?
The podcast argues that the NYPD's history of corruption and abuse of power is deeply rooted in its origins as a slave-patrolling force. This history helps explain the ongoing scandals and the department's resistance to accountability.
What are the implications of the FBI's investigation of New York Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Edward Kabon?
The investigation raises serious questions about the integrity of the city's leadership and the NYPD's ability to operate effectively and ethically. It also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within the department.
How does the podcast "Empire City" challenge the idea that conversations about police reform and abolition are new?
The podcast demonstrates that resistance to policing and calls for abolition have existed in America for as long as policing itself. It highlights the historical context of these movements and their continued relevance today.
What are some of the strategies that black communities have used to resist police abuse and create safer communities?
The podcast explores the strategies used by black communities to resist police abuse, including legal challenges, media campaigns, and community organizing. It highlights the resilience and ingenuity of these communities in the face of systemic oppression.

Show Notes

It’s been about a week since federal agents seized the phones of New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban and other top NYPD officials. Caban is one of a few top deputies in Mayor Eric Adams’ administration who are currently under investigation by federal authorities, though details are so far scant. But it’s yet another potential stain on the oldest, largest, and arguably most scandal-prone police department in the country. Chenjerai Kumanyika, host of Crooked and Wondery’s new podcast ‘Empire City,’ talks about the ‘untold origin story’ of the NYPD.

And in headlines: Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson delayed a vote on a six-month government spending bill, federal inspectors warned of an “imminent threat” to food safety at a Boar’s Head plant in Virginia, and an Ohio man begged former President Donald Trump and other Republicans to stop politicizing the death of his son.

Show Notes: